IEP Chandigarh, July 2 

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday congratulated people on completion of one year for the guarantee of free power in the state, which has immensely benefitted every section of society.          In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the state government had on July1, last year launched the guarantee to provide free power to the people. He said that since then 90% of the households in the state are getting free power and have got zero power bill since last July. Bhagwant Mann said that it is matter of immense pride and satisfaction that along with domestic consumers, the food growers of the country are also getting free and uninterrupted power in the state.          The Chief Minister said that the farmers are getting more than eight hours of power supply without any cut. He said that the elated farmers are sharing the videos regarding to it and expressing gratitude to the state government. Bhagwant Mann said that apart from it the state government has paid subsidy worth Rs 20,200 crore to the PSPCL.          The Chief Minister said that this has not been made possible by taking loans, as done by previous governments, but by checking pilferages and corruption. He said that due to concerted efforts of the state government supply of coal from Pachwara coal mine that was stopped has been resumed after 2015. Bhagwant Mann said that earlier governments had stalled supply from this coal mine to mint money illegally from the private thermal plants.          The Chief Minister said that for the first time in history of state, Punjab has coal stock of 43 days whereas earlier threat of blackout loomed large in state during earlier regimes. He said that though across the country governments were selling government properties to fetch money  but Punjab government has started reverse trend by purchasing a private thermal plant. Bhagwant Mann said that industry is being provided uninterrupted power even during the ongoing paddy season.          The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for making Punjab a power surplus state adding that focus is now being laid to promote green, solar and hydro power in the state. He also announced that the state government is setting up a 206 MW hydro power project in Pathankot on Ravi river to check the pilferage of water. Bhagwant Mann said that this water will be used judiciously for irrigating the fields of the state besides generating power.          The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of state government canal water has reached at the tail end in villages which has reduced burden on tube wells thereby considerably saving power and ground water. He said that the state government is committed for carving out a rangla Punjab for which every Punjabi should play a proactive role. Bhagwant Mann said that Punjab had been a harbinger of green revolution and now the state will show a new way to entire country in every sector. 

IEP Chandigarh, July 2

          In order to make Punjab a crime-free state as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) under the name of “OPS Vigil-II“ at vulnerable places including Railway Stations, Bus Stands and Hotels/Sarais situated around them in all the 28 Police districts of the state. The operation was conducted on the directions of the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

Apart from carrying out checking at Bus Stands and Railway Stations, over 550 well-coordinated Strong Inter-State and Inter-District Nakas, were also set up under the supervision of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in the state for a thorough search of suspected vehicles/persons, while ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public.

Over 7500 Police Personnel were involved to carry out this operation, which was conducted in a synchronised manner from 7am to 3pm across the state. All the CPs/SSPs were asked to mobilise a maximum number of officers and manpower for this operation to lay strong ‘nakas’ at district/city sealing points. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Range Inspector Generals of Police (IGsP).

Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that SP-level officers were deputed to conduct a search of the Railway Stations and Bus Stands, while, DSP-level officers were deputed at all the Nakas. “We had strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them or checking their vehicle during the course of this operation,” he added.

He said that Police teams have carried out CASO at 141 Railway Stations and 219 Bus Stands, besides conducting checking at 926 hotels, 172 Sarais and 166 Dharamshalas during the operation. Police teams have also checked 9521 two-wheelers and 7122 four-wheelers, he added.

Sharing outcomes of the operation, the Special DGP said that the Police teams have registered 116 FIRs and arrested 141 persons after recovering 1.15 Kg heroin, 37Kg Poppy Husk, 243-litre Illicit Liquor, six pistols/revolvers, besides recovering Rs 7.02 lakhs of drug money from their possession. The Police have also arrested three Proclaimed Offenders (POs), he said, while adding that 1826 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation.

He said that such operations would continue till the menace of drugs and Gangsters wiped out from the state. These types of operations are part of the basic policing which includes keeping vigil at vulnerable spots and advance preparation to tackle any untoward situation, he added.

Meanwhile, such operations also help in showing the police presence in the field and boost confidence among common people.

IEP Chandigarh, July 1

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has nabbed an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Gurdeep Singh posted at City Police Station, Zira in Ferozepur district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.10,000.The accused ASI has been arrested on the complaint of Sanjeev Kumar resident of zira, who is owner of Dabur Gun House.Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that the complainant Sanjeev Kumar had lodged a complaint with VB Police Station, Ferozepur Range that the accused ASI had demanded a bribe of Rs.10,000 for helping him and his family members in a scuffle case registered against them under sections 353, 186, 294, 506 and 149 of IPC at City Police Station, Zira on August 26, 2021.The complainant said that the accused ASI has taken a bribe of Rs.5000 to help his brother Rajiv Kumar alias Monu in getting bail in the case on June 23, 2023 and now he was demanding Rs 10,000 more. He also alleged that the ASI had already took Rs 60,000 as a bribe from them in past.The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary investigation of this complaint, a VB team laid a trap and arrested the accused ASI on the spot while accepting a bribe of Rs.10,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.In this regard, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused ASI at Police Station VB, Ferozepur Range. Further investigation in this case was under progress.

IEP Chandigarh, July 1

A Punjab Government delegation led by Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Financial Commissioner, Taxation,Mr Vikas Partap and Excise Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam visited Kerala to study supply chain management ERP software and PoS (Point of Sale) system being used by the Kerala Excise department.

          Giving details of the visit, Mr. Harpal Singh Cheema said that the purpose of the visit was to learn about the technological interventions which are important from the point of view of plugging revenue leakages and enhancing the excise revenue. He said that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software would provide the Punjab Excise department an integrated and real-time view of its core processes which would be easily accessible through one centralized system.

          Divulging further, Mr. Cheema said that these softwares will help in enhancing transparency in the governance. He said that during this visit the officials of Kerala government also gave a detailed presentation regarding the technological solutions they have been using in their Excise department.

          Meanwhile, Mr. Harpal Singh Cheema also held a meeting with the Kerala Excise Minister Mr. M B Rajesh. He apprised his counterpart in Kerala Government that the Punjab Government is very keen to adopt new software based technological solutions to streamline the process of Excise revenue collection and plug the leakages within the system to check any revenue loss.

          Reiterating the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to increase the own revenue in a bid to put the state on higher trajectory of growth and prosperity, Mr. Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Excise department would try to adapt itself to embrace these software solutions to further enhance its efficiency and strength.

IEP Chandigarh, July 1      

    A 1993 -batch IAS officer, Mr. Anurag Verma, on Saturday took charge as 42nd Chief Secretary of the state in the presence of outgoing Chief Secretary Mr Vijay Kumar Janjua and other senior civil officers.          Born in a family of academicians from Patiala, Mr. Verma will also be the Principal Secretary Personnel and Vigilance in addition to his present assignment as Chief Secretary.          On the occasion senior civil officers DK Tiwari, Kumar Rahul, Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Vipul Ujwal, Ramvir, Sonali Giri, Isha Kalia, Gauri Parasher Joshi, Puneet Goyal,  Bhupinder Singh,  Neeru Katyal Gupta, Sukhjeet Pal Singh were also present.          After assuring the charge as Chief Secretary, Mr. Verma said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann he will accord top priority to clean, efficient, responsive and transparent administration besides giving major thrust on Health and Education sectors along with all round development of the state. The Chief Secretary said that he will discharge his duty with due diligence and devotion to ensure well being of every section of society.          Mr. Verma said that Punjab, being a border state and food bowl of the country, assumes lot of significance for the entire country adding that with the support of all civil and police officers besides government employees, will make Punjab a front ranking state in the country.          The Chief Secretary said that major thrust will also be laid on implementing the state government’s citizen centric and development oriented policies with feedback from the ground level. He said that every effort will be made to percolate the benefits of the pro-people policies of the state government at the ground level.  He further said that a viable mechanism will be evolved for further resolving the grievances of general public on priority basis and in a prompt manner.          Notably, Mr Verma’s native village is Chalela in Patiala district and he is a Gold Medalist from the Thapar College, Patiala in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He bagged overall 7th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1993.          Earlier, Mr. Verma was holding the charge of Additional Chief Secretary Home, Industries & Commerce, Legal and Legislative Affairs, Information Technology and Investment Promotion. He had also served the state in various capacities including in Rural Development and Panchayats, Excise and Taxation, Revenue. He took extraordinary step of computerizing revenue land records and establishing Fard Kendras in the state while serving as Special Secretary of Revenue. While serving as Excise and Taxation Commissioner, he made it simple and transparent for people to pay their taxes, which was one of his greatest accomplishments. As a result of his effectiveness and work ethic, he also significantly increased the revenue.          In his capacity as the Finance Commissioner for Rural Development and Panchayat, he successfully carried out the MGNREGA scheme’s ground-level implementation. By obtaining the construction of playgrounds and sports parks in more than 1000 villages throughout the state, he continued to create a healthy sporting environment.          During his field posting as the Deputy Commissioner for the districts of Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, he provided excellent and effective services. He then performed admirably in a variety of positions at the Head Office.

IEP Chandigarh, July 1

Terming the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has created an environment where journalists can work freely and carry out their responsibilities without interference.  “It also keeps a check on the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary to uphold the values of democracy,” he said.The Health Minister, who was the chief guest at 24th State Annual Meet Of Chandigarh-Punjab Union ofJournalists (CPUJ) organised at MGSIPA here, also released a souvenir. The CPUJ is affiliated to the Indian Journalists Union.After inaugurating the 24th State Annual Meet of Chandigarh-Punjab Union of Journalists, he said that journalism can play a pivotal role to eliminate drugs menace and other social ills in the society. Media acts like a mirror which shows the actual image of society, besides holding governments accountable and promoting transparency. It’s the duty of all Journalists to uphold truth, fairness, and integrity in their work.Urging the media to show the positive side of initiatives and policies of the government, he said that with the advent of social media challenges like misinformation and fake news have also emerged. He categorically said that Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Government is fully committed to provide the best possible health care facilities to the people of the Punjab and as many as 580 Aam Aadmi Clinics have already been functioning in the state and out of these around 75% clinics have been opened in rural areas. He further said that Facilitation Centres will also be opened in state hospitals.Extending his best wishes to the doctor fraternity on the National Doctors day, the Health Minister proudly said that he was a doctor, is a doctor and will always be a doctor.In today’s digital age, media literacy is more important than ever and by holding such Annual Meets of media fraternity helps to fight misinformation and maintain a healthy democratic dialogue, he said, while adding that, this meet will instil a sense of pride within the media fraternity and inspire more people to pursue careers in journalism.Underlining the facilities being provided by Punjab Government to journalists, Dr Balbir Singh informed that Health Insurance cover worth Rs 5 lakhs is being given to the Yellow Card Holders and Accredited Journalists and their families. Premium is being paid by the Government of Punjab.  In case of the death in an accident, an Accidental Insurance cover of Rs 5 lakhs is being given to the family of the journalist. The government also exempted journalists from paying tolls at all the toll plazas of Punjab State Highways.On the occasion, Founder Indian Journalists Union Suresh Akhouri, President Indian Journalists Union and CPUJ Vinod Kohli, Secretary General Indian Journalists Union Saba Nayakan, General Secretary CPUJ Naveen Sharma and Senior Vice President Anirudh Gupta were present.

IEP Chandigarh, July 1 

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday dared Leader of opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa to clarify the stand of his party on the claim of Himachal Pradesh government over Chandigarh. In a statement, the Chief Minister said that stoic silence of Partap Singh “Bhajpa” (Bajwa) over the issue is surprising. He said that Bajwa must clear the stand of his party over the false claim made by Congress government in Himachal. Bhagwant Mann also quipped that Bajwa, who is also hand in glove with BJP (Bhajpa) must also clarify the stand of saffron party over the issue. The Chief Minister further said that it is shameful that these leaders change their stance over the interests of the state for their political benefits in other states. He unequivocally said that Chandigarh is, Chandigarh was and Chandigarh will always be an integral part of the state. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that the state government is firmly committed to safeguard the interests of the state and its people.

IEP Chandigarh, June 29

Punjab has secured third position in Pedigree Selection Scheme of Nili Ravi Breed across the country, said Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Mr Gurmeet Singh Khuddian while informing that the state has undertook the Nili Ravi Pedigree Selection project to promote and preserve indigenous Nili Ravi breed in the state.          It is a matter of great pride as Punjab has secured 3rd position in Nili Ravi Pedigree Selection Scheme of buffalo, said Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, while adding that the state has also clinched 5th position in the Progeny testing Scheme in Murrah breed of buffalo and the 6th position in the Progeny Testing Scheme of Sahiwal Cows.          He further informed that Punjab has already accomplished the target in Murrah Progeny testing Scheme, which was supposed to be completed in 2024.          The main motive of these  projects is procurement of High Genetic Merit Bulls of these three breeds on the basis of the capacity of milk production of their mothers, he added.          Reiterating the commitment of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government to the welfare of the dairy farmers,  Mr Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that the state government chalked out an action plan to keep the spread of deadly lumpy skin disease under check and so far a total of 25 lakh doses of goat pox vaccine have been administered to the cattle in the state.          Apart from this, in order to protect the livestock from Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS), the vaccine is being administered under a state-level campaign and a special drive will be launched soon to administer a vaccine to prevent Foot and Mouth disease in the state, the Cabinet Minister said.          He further informed that the state has also procured 75,000 sexed semen doses to produce female calves, which have already been made available at affordable rates in all veterinary hospitals/dispensaries of the state, to increase the income of farmers and reduce the expenses incurred on maintenance of male calves and will also assist farmers in tackling the problem of stray cattle in the future.          Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries department Mr. Vikas Pratap informed that under these three projects – Progeny Testing Murrah, Progeny Testing Sahiwal and Pedigree Selection Nili Ravi- being run by the department, the Semen Stations (Ropar and Nabha) of the state have been provided with high genetic merit Bulls of cows and buffaloes which will help in improving the genetic potential of these breeds in the state. So far 536 calves have been supplied to the semen stations of the state and across India. The purchase of male calves of farmers from 6 months to 2 years of age is done at the rate of Rs 6500 to Rs 65,000 per male calf.

IEP Chandigarh, June 29 

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said that the state government has started the process of confiscating the land owned by Pearl group to compensate the people by selling them. Divulging the details, the Chief Minister said that the state government will recover every single penny plundered from the people of the state. He said that the properties of the pearl group have already been identified in various districts and legal process has been initiated to acquire these properties. Bhagwant Mann said that Red Entries have been made in the Revenue records so that no one is able to sell or purchase this property. The Chief Minister said that the group had done a huge fraud with the people of the state for which it will be made accountable. He said that the revenue records have already been checked at the grass root level to ensure complete transparency in the process. Bhagwant Mann said that top most priority has been accorded to this work so that this property is confiscated by the government. The Chief Minister said that he has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to personally supervise this work for its smooth execution in a time bound manner. Bhagwant Mann said that this property will be sold and every penny of the public will be returned back to them. He said that the state government is committed for ensuring that the money of people is returned back them and exemplary action against the company acts as a deterrent for other fraudster companies.